We’re less than a month away from 2019, and eagerly anticipating the most wonderful part of the year. Christmas trees, hot chocolate, cozy knits, and so many gifts. One of the best parts is giving and receiving gifts. Gifting is an art but can also become stressful at times.
To make holiday shopping easier, here is an assortment of carefully thought-out gift ideas at every budget. There’s something in it for everyone—your bourbon-loving dad, jewelry-obsessed mom, dog-mom friend, adventure-freak cousin, spice-crazy boss, and everyone else on your shopping list. Happy shopping, and happy holidays!
Adelsheim Vineyard
It’s always wine o’ clock during the holidays. Adelshiem Vineyard is a stunning 47-year-old winery with a seasoned beverage veteran Joth Ricci (formerly the president at Stumptown Coffee) at the helm. It is one of Oregon and the Willamette Valley’s founding wineries. Their winemaking philosophy hasn’t changed much over half a century—they make wines that they most love to drink—ageable, elegant, and complex wines that let the vineyard speak for itself.
We tried the 2016 Willamette Valley Chardonnay and the 2017 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. with its notes of pear and guava, the Chardonnay was bright and fruity. It pairs phenomenally with grilled chicken and Thai food. The pinot noir tastes earthy and is sublime with a good charcuterie board. Confused about a gift to take for the host of a party? Find an incredible PNW wine here. Because, wine not?
52 Lists For Togetherness
Blockbuster author Moorea Seal of The 52 Lists Project adds another journal to the mix, along with a themed postcard book, notepad, and desk pad. 2018 is coming to a close and a brand new year always brings past reflections, new hopes, and fresh chances. In our opinion, the best way to start the new year is with oodles of gratitude and to nurture relationships with loved ones. 52 Lists for Togetherness: Journaling Inspiration to Deepen Connections with Your Loved One’s features prompts—one for each week of the year—to help transform or strengthen bonds with those you cherish, from partners to friends, parents, and siblings. The best part—the journal is full of vibrant photography, lovely illustrations, metallic foil, and a ribbon—making it a special keepsake for yourself or the perfect gift for a loved one.
2bar Spirits
2bar Spirits is a grain-to-glass bourbon distillery that sources all their grain locally, mills, mashes, ferments, distills, ages, bottles, and labels every drop of 2bar Bourbon. Made using all Northwest Grains, the 2bar Bourbon is a fine craft bourbon that makes for a special gift. This golden-amber goodness is bottled at 100 Proof and aged for 2 years to make for a complex, full-bodied whiskey. It has wonderful notes of butterscotch, vanilla, and honey. Nathan Kaiser, the owner of 2bar spirits, recommends, “The bourbon is an absolute pleasure to drink neat, or over ice. Keeping in tune with the spirit of the holidays, you could use it to make an excellent old-fashioned or hot toddy” What’s especially great is you can buy this at your local Trader Joe’s or QFC.
You can also buy it online here.
Made In Washington
As the name suggests, Made In Washington is a treasure trove of local goodness. They have been working with Washington’s artists, food makers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses since 1984 since they first opened their doors at Seattle’s Pike Place Market. They have a wide range of products. Think Northwest Smoked Salmon, National Parks Cafe Cocoa Mix, Seattle Seasons Chocolate Bar Trio and so much more. Can’t decide on one good gift? How about many small gifts that come together in a great, personalized box?
We highly recommend Mitch’s Best Buffalo Sauce and the Black Truffle Infused Almonds. Another item to consider is a beautiful heart ornament called ‘Young at Heart’, made by glass blower Bri Chesler. Bri, who just turned 29, is one of Seattle’s up and coming next generation glass artists. This is also a great gift for someone who’s not from around here- as a sample set of the great bounty Washington has to offer. Design your own gift basket here.
Cupcake Royale
Let’s face it—all we want for Christmas is cake! Goodies from Cupcake Royale are perfect for your loved ones with a sweet tooth or to add that sweet touch to your holiday office party. A balanced diet for the holidays, is, of course, a cupcake in each hand. They do special Winter and holiday flavors too. We’re talking Maple Sweet Potato, Eggnog Snickerdoodle, Peppermint Bark, Cranberry White Chocolate, and a New Year’s special – Strawberry Champagne! These made-from-scratch daily themed cupcakes will be available all through December.
Looking for something with longer shelf life? We tried the delicious housemade Brittles and Barks made to crackling, crunching perfection in the Bakeshop and ready to be gifted in Weck jars. Flavors include Almond Brittle, Hazelnut Brittle, Peppermint Bark, and Bacon Brittle. $12 per jar or 4 for $44. Buy them online or pop by one of their stores to buy some gifts, and to treat yourself to a cup of warm cider.
Can’t make it in? Don’t worry, Cupcake Royale delivers too!
Image credit: Benjamin Blackketter
RawSpiceBar
RawSpiceBar is all about freshly-ground, seasonal global spices. From Mexican taco seasoning to Ethiopian Berbere spice, they have a wide range of spices. With the rain and the cold, it’s nice to cozy up indoors with some spicy homemade grub. Have a close friend who wants to try his/her hand at some Turkish kebabs or Indian tandoori chicken? Or a family member whose resolution is to eat in more often? This is just what you need to spice up their holidays! These mostly salt-free, gluten-free, paleo, vegan spices make an awesome gift for almost anyone. Individual spice boxes start at $7 and gift sets at $42 onwards.
Find some nice gift sets here.
The Porter Hotel
Seattle is magical during the holidays, but every now and then, who doesn’t love a getaway? A Portland getaway would be a great gift for your parents or you could significant other for a surprise getaway. This is an unconventional gift, but a great one nonetheless. The Porter Hotel is a new, luxury hotel property that just opened in April of this year. They have some incredible amenities such as a rooftop deck and bar (heated over the winter!), a rustic Italian restaurant and one of the best wellness centers in Portland with a pool and fitness/workout area. A standard king room has a rate of around $200/night.
Make your bookings here.
Odwalla
This one is for em’ teetotallers (your non-drinking friends). Odwalla just released some delicious seasonal flavors—Sangria Sipper and Choco’mint Protein (This one is perfect for that fitness-enthusiast friend!). We tried these two seasonal flavors and can vouch they are both delicious. You can enjoy these juices as is, or spike the sangria-flavored one with wine and vodka for something naughtier. The delicious holiday friendly flavors are the perfect addition to holiday parties and family get-togethers, or the perfect grab-and-go beverage to satisfy your holiday cravings while traveling this season.
JJ Caprices
Jennifer Jedda, the owner of JJ Caprices travels to far-flung countries and brings back jewelry, curios and interesting stories for her online boutique. Choose from exotic jewelry, scarves, accessories, and even home accents. You could find exotic trinkets such as African brass necklaces, Bolivian alpaca scarves, and vintage French lace candles, to give you an idea. You could find a great gift for that special woman in your life here—a girlfriend, a grandmother, your mom, an aunt or just about any woman you’re happy to have in your life.
Seattle Ballooning
Looking for the gift of a lifetime? Look no further. Gift your loved ones an experience they’ll never forget. Seattle’s countryside is a perfect area to explore by balloon. Seattle Ballooning’s flights are conducted just 35 minutes South of Downtown, directly in front of Mt. Rainier, a breathtaking backdrop for the adventure. At the top altitude of 4,500 feet, one can fully appreciate the spectacular Cascade Mountain Range and the entire Puget Sound. Through December 24th, get a 20% discount on gift certificates by using the code ‘Seattleite’ at checkout.
A.Oei Studio
A.Oei Studio was launched in 2016 by Angeline Oei as a contemporary womenswear label that develops design-driven fashion collections using exclusive prints, quality textiles, and easy, modern silhouettes. The USP of the brand is its elegant prints. Fabrics, which are predominantly of natural fibers like cotton and silk, are largely sourced from Japan. The garments make for special gifts because the fabric prints are original artworks designed in the studio. Angeline tells us, “The Landscape Print was created based on photographs I took of the Rocky Mountains. As designs are produced in small batches and print placement varies from piece to piece, each piece is unique in its own way.” This would make for an excellent gift for your mom or sister. You can shop them here.
LilaJune Skincare
LilaJune Skincare is a natural, sustainably-crafted skincare line, made in Port Townsend, Washington. The Perfect Travel Pack ($52.99) would be an ideal gift for the holidays as it makes a great present for a friend, hostess, co-worker who’s on-the-go and wants only the finest, natural ingredients in her skincare. The Pack ( Including Plumping Day Cream, Regenerating Night Cream, Rejuvenating Eye Cream, Hydrating Toner, Cleansing Milk, and Sugar Scrub) comes with skincare products in travel-sized containers and a carrying case, all TSA-approved!
Shop the set here.
Personalized charms
For $180, you could inscribe your’s or a loved one’s name or a special saying on a Market Charm at the MarketFront at the 111-year-old Pike Place Market. It is a great, highly personal gift for a Seattleite or a loved one visiting this iconic city. The charms are a memorable gift that helps nurture a thriving community at Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market. You can donate and personalize here. Donors in the past have celebrated their family by creating a family charm, ones to honor mom, dad, sister/brother, and even your favorite pet. For the past three decades, the Pike Place Market Foundation has worked to provide social services and housing for seniors. All proceeds from Market Charms directly support these initiatives.
House And Hound
‘From rags to wags, we’re at your service’, proudly claims the House And Hound website. House And Hound is a unique house cleaning + dog walking service. This one’s a double whammy – you come back to a sparkling home and a happy pooch! You can choose between a simple tidy-up, or a deep cleaning service. Look at your options here. The gift of time is the best gift of them all. Free up some time in your loved one’s lives by gifting them this brilliant service.
Nordstrom Signature
It’s sweater weather and most people will appreciate a cozy knit as a holiday gift. Nordstrom Signature, one of Nordstrom’s private label brands, will be introducing a new collection for the holiday season—Cashmere Never Felt So Good. The collection features items that are produced in factories where Nordstrom has partnered with BSR’s HERproject to implement workplace training programs on topics like health and financial literacy. The collection spans across women’s, men’s and babies and ranges in price from $49-$399.
You can shop the pieces here.
LumberUnion
This super cool, very PNW company recently launched for the urban explorer lifestyle and plants a tree for every item sold. Their soy candles are a perfect stocking stocking or hostess gift for $32.50. Handmade in Seattle, they come in three scents: Campfire, Barber’s Chair, and Whiskey Leather. Campfire is the perfect pairing of woodsy spruse and a light aroma of smoke for cozy cabin vibes in your home this holiday season.
Look out for the launch of their new line and store opening on 2nd Avenue in January. Learn more about LumberUnion and shop their line, including men and women’s apparel and accessories here.
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